Mobility management message analysis

ABSTRACT

A system that facilitates detecting, analyzing, and selectively enabling mobility management messages in connection with providing dual mode services comprises a receiver component that receives a mobility management message from an enterprise network. An analysis component communicatively coupled to the receiver component determines a type of the mobility management message and further determines whether or not to allow a mobility management transaction corresponding to the mobility management message based at least in part upon the determined type.

BACKGROUND

The mobile telephone industry has been associated with tremendous growthover the last several years. For instance, in the recent past, mobiletelephones were only available to those of highest economic status dueto service costs and costs associated with mobile phones. Moreover,network coverage was not extensive enough to enable robust service. Inparticular, only areas associated with dense population were providedwith extensive wireless network coverage. Still further, the mobilephones that could utilize the networks to communicate were quite bulky,causing portation of the phone over any significant distance to bedifficult at best. In more detail, antennas associated with these phonescould be over a foot in length, thus making it difficult to utilize thephones in automobiles or other congested areas.

In contrast, today's portable phones (and other portable devices) can beutilized as full-service computing machines. For example, many of themost recent and advanced mobile phones can be associated with wordprocessing software, accounting software, and various other types ofsoftware. Furthermore, network coverage has expanded to cover millions,if not billions, of users. Additionally, mobile phones have decreased inboth size and cost. Specifically, modern mobile phones are often smallenough to slip into an individual's pocket without discomforting theindividual. Furthermore, many mobile network service providers offerphones at extremely low cost to customers who contract for service withsuch providers.

Advances in technology relating to mobile devices in general, and mobilephones in particular, continue to occur. For example, recently mobiletelephones have been designed to communicate over disparate networksand/or between licensed and unlicensed spectra. In more detail, a dualmode handset can connect to a cellular network to effectuatecommunications between a user of the mobile phone and another phonedevice, and can further connect via WiFi to a wireless local accessnetwork (LAN) and thereafter utilize the Voice over Internet Protocol(VoIP) to effectuate communication between users. Use of VoIP is oftendesirable to users as it is associated with less cost than employing acellular network. In fact, some users may consider phone calls made overVoIP (or other IP-based network) completely free, despite the fact thatthey pay for Internet service.

Implementation of this dual mode service is due at least in part to theThird Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), which have createdspecifications that define a mechinism that provides signal interity forsession initial protocol (SIP) signals between an IP multimediasubsystem (IMS) (P-SCCF) and user equipment (UE) (e.g., a mobile phone,a personal digital assistant, . . . ). This integrity prevents identityspoofing, man-in-the-middle attacks, and the like. The IMS represents a3GPP and 3GPP2 effort to define an all-IP-based wireless network as areplacement for the various voice, data, signaling, and control networkelements currently in existence. Furthermore, the IMS enables supportfor IP multimedia applications within the Universal MobileTelecommunications System (UMTS). The UMTS is a 3G broadbandpacket-based transmission of text, ditized voice, video, and multimediathat offers a consistent set of services to mobile computer and phoneusers regardless of their physical location.

The telecom industry is currently shifting towards all IP-systems,thereby rendering dual mode service handsets an important tool (as theyare compatible with existing cellular systems and emerging IP-systems).This shift is driven by desires to reduce costs and create new streamsof revenue while protecting an operator business model. IMS is a newservice domain that facilitates this shift by enabling convergence ofdata, speech, and network technology over an IP-based infrastructure.For users, IMS-based services enable transmittal and receipt of variousdata at significantly reduced cost, including voice, text, pictures,video, and/or any combination thereof in a highly personalized andsecure manner. In summary, IMS is designed to bridge the gap betweenexisting, traditional telecommunications technology and Internettechnology that increased bandwidth does not provide.

As stated above, these emerging IP-based technologies have createddemand for dual mode services, and thus for dual mode handsets. Usingthis technology, users can employ WiFi to effectuate voice calls,transmission of data, and the like. In more detail, a user can connectto a LAN by way of WiFi. Upon such connection, users can employ servicesoffered by their service provider.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. Thissummary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identifykey/critical elements of the claimed subject matter or to delineate thescope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in asimplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that ispresented later.

The claimed subject matter relates generally to dual mode services, andmore particularly to monitoring and controlling mobility managementtransactions with respect to dual mode services. In particular, arequest for a mobility management transaction can be received by a HomePublic Land Mobile Network (HPLMN) from an enterprise network upon asubscriber associated with such enterprise network roaming into or outof the enterprise network. For example, the enterprise network cancreate an SS7 or Sigtran message that includes a Mobile Application Part(MAP) message (a request for a MAP transaction), and can provide suchmessage to a Signal Transfer Point (STP). The MAP message can be aLocation Update message, a Send Routing Information message, aSubscriber Location Report message, or any other suitable MAP message.An analysis can then be undertaken at the STP regarding whether anenterprise that maintains the enterprise network and/or particularsubscriber is authorized to request dual mode services from the HPLMN.

For example, an originating point code within the SS7 or Sigtran messagecan be reviewed to determine an identity of the enterprise. Aprovisioning database can thereafter be accessed to ensure that theenterprise is authorized to utilize dual mode services provided by theHPLMN. A further analysis can then be undertaken to determine that theSS7 or Sigtran message is or includes a mobility management message (aMAP message), and a type of such transaction can be determined. Theprovisioning database can thereafter be accessed to determine if theenterprise is authorized to request a mobile management transaction ofthe determined type. For instance, an enterprise may purchase servicesfrom the HPLMN that enable subscribers of the enterprise to requestLocation Update transactions but not Send Routing informationtransactions. If no subscribers within the enterprise have suchauthorization, the request for the transaction can be denied.

The SS7 or Sigtran message can additionally be analyzed to determine anidentity of a subscriber that will be affected by the mobile managementtransaction. In particular, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity(IMSI) value within the SS7 message can be reviewed to determine theidentity of the subscriber. Pursuant to an example, a subscriber mayroam into the enterprise network, and the enterprise network may thenrequest a Location Update transaction with respect to the subscriber.Different subscribers, however, can be provided with different rightsand privileges with respect to mobility management transactions. Forinstance, a first subscriber associated with the enterprise may beauthorized to request a Location Update transaction while a secondsubscriber associated with the enterprise may not be authorized torequest a Location Update transaction. The rights of subscribers can bedefined in a dual mode services agreement between the enterprise and theHPLMN.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certainillustrative aspects are described herein in connection with thefollowing description and the annexed drawings. These aspects areindicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which theprinciples disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to includeall such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novelfeatures will become apparent from the following detailed descriptionwhen considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a high level block diagram of a system that facilitatesdetecting, analyzing, and selectively enabling mobility managementtransactions with respect to dual mode handsets.

FIG. 2 illustrates a mobility management message analysis system thatincludes billing functionality.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a system that facilitatesnotifying an enterprise that a subscriber therein is not authorized torequest a particular requested mobility management transaction.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a system for reporting an allowedmobility management transaction to an HLR.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of example contents of an SS7 or Sigtranmessage that can be utilized to provision a mobility managementtransaction request.

FIG. 6 illustrates wireless environments wherein an analysis of amobility management transaction request can be undertaken.

FIG. 7 illustrates wireless environments wherein an analysis of amobility management transaction request can be undertaken.

FIG. 8 is a representative flow diagram illustrating a methodology fortreating a received mobility management transaction request based uponan analysis of parameters associated with the request.

FIG. 9 is a representative flow diagram illustrating a methodology fordetermining whether to allow or deny a request for a mobility managementtransaction.

FIG. 10 is a representative flow diagram illustrating a methodology fordetermining whether to allow or deny a request for a mobility managementtransaction and determining how to bill the requesting entity.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary computing environment that can be employed inconnection with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 12 is an exemplary networking environment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to likeelements throughout. In the following description, for purposes ofexplanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may beevident, however, that such matter can be practiced without thesespecific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devicesare shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing theclaimed subject matter.

As used in this application, the terms “component” and “system” areintended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, acombination of hardware and software, software, or software inexecution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to being,a process running on a processor, a processor, a hard disk drive,multiple storage drives (of optical and/or magnetic storage medium), anobject, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or acomputer. By way of illustration, both an application running on aserver and the server can be a component. One or more components canreside within a process and/or thread of execution, and a component canbe localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or morecomputers.

Furthermore, the claimed subject matter may be implemented as a method,apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or anycombination thereof to control a computing device, such as a mobilehandset, to implement the disclosed subject matter. The term “article ofmanufacture” as used herein is intended to encompass a computer programaccessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or media. Forexample, computer readable media can include but is not limited tomagnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips. . . ), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk(DVD) . . . ), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., card, stick,key drive . . . ). Additionally it should be appreciated that a carrierwave can be employed to carry computer-readable electronic data such asthose used in transmitting and receiving electronic mail or in accessinga network such as the Internet or a local area network (LAN). Of course,those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications may be madeto this configuration without departing from the scope or spirit of theclaimed subject matter. Moreover, the word “exemplary” is used herein tomean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect ordesign described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 thatfacilitates detecting, analyzing, and selectively enabling requests formobility management transactions, such as Mobile Application Part (MAP)transactions, with respect to dual mode handsets. The system 100includes a receiver component 102 that receives a request for a mobilitymanagement transaction from an enterprise network 104 that desirablyreceives dual mode services from a wireless provider, wherein therequest originates from a subscriber associated with the enterprisenetwork 104.

To enable utilization of dual mode services, a Home Public Land MobileNetwork (HPLMN) executes mobility management transactions requested bythe enterprise network 104. For example, a mobile handset may roam froma GSM network to the enterprise network 104 (e.g., a geographic locationcovered by a wireless LAN of the enterprise), and the enterprise network104 can initiate a Location Update transaction (one example of amobility management transaction). Location Update transactions aretypically employed in connection with redirecting mobile terminatedcalls to an appropriate E.164 number associated with the enterprisenetwork 104, wherein mobile terminated calls are calls that are intendedfor a mobile handset. Other MAP transactions include Send RoutingInformation transactions and Subscriber Location Report transactions,but it is understood that these example transactions are provided forillustration purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of theclaimed subject matter. Rather, any suitable mobility managementtransactions (MAP transactions) are contemplated by the inventor of thesubject invention and intended to fall under the scope of thehereto-appended claims.

Because the handset is registered with the HPLMN (which can provide aGSM network), a Home Location Register (HLR) of the HPLMN must beemployed to undertake mobility management. The enterprise associatedwith the enterprise network 104, however, may desirably be provided withdifferent rights with respect to different mobility managementtransactions (MAP transactions). In a particular example, the networkprovider may wish to allow the enterprise network 104 to request aLocation Update transaction but not a Send Routing Informationtransaction. Additionally, it may be desirable to provide certainsubscribers of the enterprise with particular rights with respect to oneor more MAP transactions. For instance, a first subscriber within theenterprise may desirably be associated with rights with respect to aLocation Update transaction while it may not be desirable for a secondsubscriber within the enterprise 104 to be associated with rights withrespect to a Location Update transaction.

To that end, the system 100 can include an analysis component 106 thatanalyzes a request for a mobility management transaction and determineswhether the enterprise network 104 is authorized to request thetransaction and/or whether an individual subscriber that is desirablyemploying the service is authorized to utilize the service. Forinstance, the analysis component 106 can access a provisioning database108 that includes enterprise rights 110, and can compare the enterpriserights 110 with the mobility management transaction request. If theenterprise and/or subscriber associated therewith is authorized toemploy a requested mobility management transaction, an HLR (not shown)can be provided with the request for execution thereof. It theenterprise 104 and/or subscriber associated therewith is not authorizedto utilize a requested mobility management transaction, the analysiscomponent 106 can prevent execution of the requested transaction.

The provisioning database can additionally be accessed by the analysiscomponent 106 to determine rights associated with certain mobilitymanagement transactions with respect to particular IMSI values. Theanalysis component 106 thus can determine mobility transaction rightswith respect to a particular enterprise and a certain subscriber withrespect to one or more mobility management transactions. Additionally,the analysis component 106 can update the provisioning database 108 asaccess rights change. Pursuant to one example, upon an enterprise payingparticular fees, the provisioning database 108 can be updated to allowcertain subscribers within the enterprise to utilize mobility managementtransactions. Additionally, the provisioning database 108 can beassociated with billing functionality, such that transactions aremonitored and costs associated with the transactions are recorded (forbilling purposes). An HPLMN can manage the contents of the provisioningdatabase 108 and update such contents as circumstances alter (e.g., asenterprises add or remove dual mode services).

An example is provided herein to better illustrate novel features of thesystem 100. It is to be understood and appreciated that this example isfor illustrative purposes only, and is not intended to limit the scopeof the appended claims. A network provider associated with the receivercomponent 102 and the analysis component 106 can enable and maintaindual mode services with respect to the enterprise that maintains theenterprise network 104. The enterprise network 104 can then begincreating Signaling System 7 (SS7) or Sigtran messages and providing themto the receiver component 102. While GSM and SS7 signaling is utilizedto illustrate operation of the system 100 in this example, it isunderstood that the claimed subject matter is intended to encompass anysuitable wireless network and any service that needs access to a(HPLMN). The SS7 messages can include an originating point code, and theanalysis component 106 can analyze the originating point code todetermine whether the enterprise is associated with authorization toemploy dual mode services offered by the HPLMN.

If the enterprise is authorized, the analysis component 106 can furtheranalyze the SS7 message and determine that it is, for instance, a MAPmessage, and can then determine a type of transaction within the MAPmessage (e.g., a Location Update transaction, a Send Routing Informationtransaction, . . . ). The analysis component 106 can access theprovisioning database 108 and determine if at least one subscriberwithin the enterprise is authorized to initiate/use the requestedmobility management transaction (MAP transaction). If the enterprise isauthorized, the analysis component 106 can determine a subscriber withrespect to whom the transaction is to be effectuated by reviewing aunique identifier that is within the SS7 message, such as anInternational Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number. The analysiscomponent 106 can review contents of the provisioning database 108 inconnection with the determined subscriber identity and ensure that therequested mobility management transaction is allowed with respect to theidentified subscriber.

In accordance with one particular example, the analysis component 106can be located within a Signal Transfer Point (STP), which is an SS7node that interfaces an HPLMN with the outside world. Additionally oralternatively, the analysis component 106 can be located within MobileSwitching Center (MSC), such as a Gateway MSC, a Visited MSC, etc.Moreover, the analysis component 106 can undertake the above-describedanalysis at an HLR, a Visitor Location Register (VLR), or any othersuitable location within an HPLMN.

Now referring to FIG. 2, a system 200 that facilitates automaticallydetermining whether an enterprise and/or subscriber is authorized toutilize particular mobility management transactions is illustrated. Thesystem 200 includes the receiver component 102 that can receive an SS7and/or Sigtran message, wherein the message includes an originatingpoint code, an identifier that is indicative of content of the message,a MAP transaction, and an IMSI number that identifies a subscriber thatis to be associated with the MAP transaction. For instance, theenterprise network 104 can be associated with a nationwide LAN and canhave various wireless access points. Accordingly, the enterprise maywish that their employees utilize a WLAN within the enterprise network104 when they are within coverage area of such network 104, and awireless service provider when they are outside coverage of theenterprise network 104. The wireless service provider, however, maystill need to provide services to subscribers associated with theenterprise network 104. Pursuant to an example, when a handsetassociated with the enterprise is within a WLAN of the enterprisenetwork 104, the wireless service provider will need to route callsdirected for the handset to an E.164 number associated with theenterprise network 104. The wireless service provider (e.g., the HPLMN)can additionally provide other mobility management services.

The HPLMN, however, may wish to monitor, regulate, and/or charge theenterprise for particular mobility management transactions thatfacilitate use of dual mode services. To that end, the SS7 (or Sigtran)message can be received by the receiver component 102 and analyzed bythe analysis component 106, which, for instance, can be within an STPthat is maintained by the HPLMN. The analysis component 106 can reviewthe originating point code within the SS7 or Sigtran message anddetermine an identity of the enterprise network 104 that is providingthe message. The analysis component 106 can access the provisioningdatabase 108 to review the enterprise rights 110, and can determinewhether the enterprise is authorized to employ services offered by theHPLMN. If no, the analysis component 106 can reject the request for thetransaction. In another example, a billing component 202 can be employedto automatically charge the enterprise an agreed-upon fee and/ormaintain a record of charges. Still further, the billing component 202can output a message that describes services and fee rates with respectto mobility management transactions.

If the enterprise is registered with the HPLMN that is associated withthe analysis component 106, the analysis component 106 can furtherreview the SS7 or Sigtran message and determine that it includes arequest for a mobility management transaction, such as a MAPtransaction. The analysis component 106 can again access theprovisioning database 108 and determine whether the enterprise 104 isauthorized with respect to mobility management transactions. If theanalysis component 106 determines that the enterprise 104 is notauthorized, the analysis component 106 can reject the request for thetransaction (regardless of transaction type). In another example, thebilling component 202 can provide the enterprise with payment optionswith respect to mobility management transactions.

If the enterprise 104 is authorized with respect to at least onemobility management transaction, the analysis component 106 can reviewthe SS7 or Sigtran message and determine what type of mobilitymanagement transaction is requested, such as a Location Updatetransaction, a Send Routing Information transaction, etc. The analysiscomponent 106 reviews the provisioning database 108 to determine whatrights are associated with the enterprise 104 with respect to thedetermined type of transaction. In other words, the analysis component106 determines whether at least one subscriber associated with theenterprise 104 is authorized to undertake the determined type ofmobility management transaction. In one example, the enterprise may haveunlimited rights with respect to a first type of transaction while onlybeing able to utilize a second type of transaction a limited number oftimes. Still further, the enterprise may be on a pay per transactionplan, such that the billing component 202 charges the enterprise anagreed-upon fee with respect to each undertaken mobility managementtransaction of certain type(s).

After the analysis component 106 has determined that the enterprise 104includes at least one subscriber that is authorized to request andutilize transactions of the transaction type identified within the SS7or Sigtran message, the analysis component 106 can analyze an identifierwithin the SS7 (or Sigtran) message that identifies a subscriberassociated with the requested mobility management transaction. In otherwords, some subscribers within the enterprise 104 may be authorized withrespect to a certain transaction type while others may not be authorizedwith respect to the same transaction type. Accordingly, the analysiscomponent 106 can review the provisioning database 108 to determinewhether the subscriber identified within the received message isauthorized with respect to the mobility management transactionidentified within the received SS7 or Sigtran message. If the analysiscomponent 106 determines that the subscriber is authorized, the analysiscomponent 106 can relay the request, for instance, to a VLR of theHPLMN. Otherwise, the analysis component 106 can be utilized inconnection with refusing the transaction. Additionally or alternatively,the enterprise can be billed with respect to particular subscribers bythe billing component 202. For instance, the enterprise may wish that afirst subscriber not be authorized to utilize mobility managementtransactions while wishing that a second subscriber be authorized andbilled per transaction (rather than a blanket fee). The billingcomponent 202 and the analysis component 106 can act in conjunction toeffectuate this and any other suitable billing arrangement.

Turning now to FIG. 3, a message analysis system 300 within a wirelesscommunications environment is illustrated. The system 300 includes thereceiver component 102 and the analysis component 106, which act asdescribed above. The system 300 can additionally include a notificationcomponent 302 that provides notifications to the enterprise based atleast in part upon the analysis undertaken by the analysis component106. For example, if the analysis component 106 determines that theenterprise is not authorized with respect to a transaction type withinthe received SS7 or Sigtran message, the notification component 302 caninform the enterprise of the lack of authorization as well as provideinstructions and/or mechanisms to obtain authorizations. Pursuant to anexample, the notification component 302 can provide an SMS message thatincludes instructions for obtaining additional services from the HPLMN.In another example, the notification component 302 can generate an emailand provide it to an executive of the enterprise, wherein the email caninclude instructions for obtaining additional services, hyperlinksdirecting the executive to where payments can be made, etc.

The system 300 further includes a counter component 304 that can count anumber of occurrences of mobility management transaction requests. Forexample, the enterprise may have a plan where a particular number ofcertain transactions are allowed within a billing cycle (e.g., onemonth). Once over that amount, the enterprise 104 can charged on a pertransaction basis. The counter component 304 can additionally performmore granular counting of transactions, such as on a per subscriberbasis, a per subscriber with respect to certain mobility managementtransaction(s) basis, etc. The counting component 304 can becommunicatively coupled to the analysis component 106 (or can beincluded within the analysis component 106). As the analysis component106 analyzes content of a received SS7 or Sigtran message, results ofthe analysis can be passed to the counter component 304. The countercomponent 304 can also be associated with the notification component302. For example, if the counter component 304 determines that a numberof transactions has reached a maximum amount allowed with respect to theenterprise (without the enterprise paying on a per transaction basis),the notification component 302 can notify the enterprise that they willbe charged a particular amount for each subsequent transaction. Thecontent of a notification output by the notification component 302 candepend upon results of an analysis undertaken by the analysis component106, a number of authorized transactions determined by the countercomponent 304, and a service plan associated with the enterprise.

Turning now to FIG. 4, a system 400 that analyzes contents of SS7 orSigtran messages in connection with dual mode services is illustrated.The system 400 includes the receiver component 102 and the analysiscomponent 106, which act in conjunction as described above. The system400 can additionally include a relaying component 402, which can relayan SS7 message to an HLR 404 if the analysis component 106 determinesthat the requested transaction is authorized (with respect to theenterprise and particular subscriber). In one particular example, atleast the analysis component 106 and the relaying component 402 can beincluded within an STP. It is understood that the relaying component 402may not be directly connected to the HLR 404. For instance, the relayingcomponent 402 can relay the SS7 message to a VLR, which in turn canprovide the message to the HLR 404. Upon receipt of the SS7 message, theHLR 404 can, in conjunction with other networking components, thenexecute the transaction.

Turning now to FIG. 5, example contents 500 of an SS7 or Sigtran messageis illustrated, wherein the contents 500 can be analyzed by the analysiscomponent 106 (FIGS. 1-4). The contents include an originating pointcode 502, which can be utilized to identify an enterprise. For instance,the originating point code 502 can be an E.164 number associated withthe enterprise. The analysis component 106 can determine an identity ofan enterprise upon analyzing such originating point code 502. The SS7 orSigtran message can additionally include a protocol identifier section504. For example, the section 504 can include data that indicates thatthe contents 500 further include a MAP transaction. The contents 500 canalso include a transaction 506, and the analysis component 106 cananalyze the transaction to determine a type of such transaction (e.g.,Location Update, Send Routing Information, . . . ). An IMSI 508 thatuniquely identifies a subscriber associated with the transaction canalso be included within the SS7 message. The analysis component 106 canreview these contents 500 and dynamically determine whether thetransaction should be executed.

Now referring to FIG. 6, a representative diagram 600 illustrating oneexemplary use of components of the systems described herein is provided.A subscriber 602 roams into a wireless LAN 604 of an enterpriseassociated with such subscriber. Coverage area of the wireless LAN 604can be overlapped with coverage area of an HPLMN 606 that provides dualmode services to the enterprise. The HPLMN includes or is associatedwith an STP 608, which acts as a bridge between the HPLMN and theenterprise network. When the subscriber 602 enters coverage area of thewireless LAN 604, the enterprise network (shown again as the wirelessLAN 604) can provide the STP 608 with an SS7 message that includes a MAPmessage (a Location Update message) and an identity of the subscriber602 (e.g., IMSI value(s)). A Location Update transaction is desirablyundertaken to enable the HPLMN 606 to redirect mobile terminated callsto an E.164 number of the enterprise.

The STP 608 can include the receiver component 102 and the analysiscomponent 106. The analysis component 106 can analyze contents of theSS7 message to determine identity of the enterprise, MAP message type,and subscriber identity. The analysis component 106 can thereafter applyappropriate treatment to the MAP message to allow or deny a MAPtransaction that correlates to the message based at least in part uponthe enterprise's and/or subscriber's commercial arrangement with theHPLMN 606. For instance, the subscriber 602 may not be associated withLocation Update services.

Turning now to FIG. 7, a representative diagram 700 illustrating oneexemplary use of components of the systems described herein is provided.The subscriber 602 exits the wireless LAN 604 and roams into coveragearea associated with the HPLMN 606. In this case, the enterprise network(shown as the wireless LAN 604) can provide the STP 608 with an SS7message that includes a MAP message (a Send Routing Information message)and an identity of the subscriber 602 (e.g., IMSI value(s)). The SendRouting Information message is utilized to redirect mobile terminatedcalls to an E.164 number of the HPLMN 606. The analysis component 106can apply the appropriate treatment to the MAP message to allow or denya MAP transaction that correlates to the message based at least in partupon the enterprise's and/or subscriber's commercial arrangement withthe HPLMN 606.

Referring to FIGS. 8-10, methodologies in accordance with variousaspects of the claimed subject matter are illustrated. While, forpurposes of simplicity of explanation, the methodologies are shown anddescribed as a series of acts, it is to be understood and appreciatedthat the claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of acts, assome acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with otheracts from that shown and described herein. For example, those skilled inthe art will understand and appreciate that a methodology couldalternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states orevents, such as in a state diagram. Moreover, not all illustrated actsmay be required to implement a methodology in accordance with theclaimed subject matter. Additionally, it should be further appreciatedthat the methodologies disclosed hereinafter and throughout thisspecification are capable of being stored on an article of manufactureto facilitate transporting and transferring such methodologies tocomputers. The term article of manufacture, as used herein, is intendedto encompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readabledevice, carrier, or media.

Turning specifically to FIG. 8, a methodology 800 for monitoring andcontrolling mobility management requests with respect to dual modeservices is illustrated. The methodology 800 begins at 802, and at 804 amobility management message is received. Pursuant to one example, themobility management message can be received from an enterprise networkat an STP. The term “enterprise” as utilized herein is intended toencompass a plurality of associated subscribers (e.g., within abusiness) as well as individual subscribers who wish to receive dualmode services from a wireless provider. The mobility management messagecan be encapsulated within an SS7 or Sigtran message, for instance, andcan further be a MAP message. Additionally or alternatively, the messagecan be received at a VLR, an HLR, or any other suitable component withina wireless network.

At 806, parameters associated with the received message are analyzed.More specifically, an identity of an enterprise that initiates themessage can be determined by analyzing an originating point code withinthe message. In another example, MAP message type can be discerned(e.g., whether the MAP message is a Location Update message, a SendRouting Information message, . . . ). Still further, a specificsubscriber (or subscribers) that is associated with the mobilitymanagement message can be determined by reviewing the mobilitymanagement message. At 808, the message is treated based at least inpart upon the analysis. For example, the enterprise may have acommercial agreement with the wireless network provider (the HPLMN) toenable only certain mobility management transactions (which areinitiated by received mobility management messages). Still further, theenterprise may wish that certain subscribers have particular rights withrespect to one or more mobility management transactions. Therefore, thereceived message can be treated based upon the analysis and thecommercial agreement, wherein treatment relates to enabling or denying atransaction associated with the received message. The methodology 800then completes at 810.

Now turning to FIG. 9, a methodology 900 for determining whether toallow or deny a mobility management transaction requested by anenterprise network is illustrated. The methodology 900 starts at 902,and at 904 a mobility management message is received. As describedabove, the mobility management message can be an SS7 message thatincludes a MAP message, such as a Location Update message. Othersuitable mobility management messages, however, are contemplated by theinventor and intended to fall under the scope of the hereto-appendedclaims. As described above, the mobility management message can bereceived at an STP, a MSC, a VLR, an HLR, etc. At 906, an enterprisethat is associated with the message is determined. Pursuant to oneexample, the enterprise network can initiate the mobility managementmessage, and such message can be received at an STP. The message caninclude an originating point code, which may be all or a portion of anE.164 number associated with the enterprise. By analyzing thisoriginating point code, an identity of the enterprise network thatinitiated the mobility management message can be ascertained.

At 908, a determination is made regarding whether the enterprise isauthorized to receive and use dual mode services in connection with anHPLMN that receives the request. For example, a provisioning databasecan be accessed and reviewed for the enterprise. If it is determinedthat the enterprise is not authorized to receive and utilize dual modeservices provided by the HPLMN, a transaction that corresponds to themobility management message is denied at 910. If the enterprise isassociated with authorization with respect to at least one mobilitymanagement transaction, then the methodology 900 proceeds to 912, wherea type of the mobility management message is determined. For example,the message may be a MAP message, and such message can be analyzed todetermine a type of such message (e.g., Location Update message, SendRouting Information message, . . . ).

The methodology 900 then proceeds to 914, where a determination is maderegarding whether the enterprise is authorized with respect to thedetermined message type. Pursuant to one example, a service plan can beaccepted by the enterprise that enables subscribers within theenterprise to utilize some mobility management transactions but not allmobility management transactions. If the enterprise is not authorizedwith respect to the determined mobility management message type, thecorresponding mobility management transaction is denied at 910.

If the enterprise has a service plan that allows transactions of thetype determined at 912 for at least one subscriber, then at 916 anidentity of the subscriber is determined. For instance, an SS7 orSigtran message can include the received mobility management message,and therein may reside an IMSI number associated with the subscriberthat the desired transaction will affect. For instance, a subscriber maybe roaming from an enterprise network to a cellular network, and theenterprise network may generate an SS7 message that includes a LocationUpdate message (a MAP message) for the subscriber. Some subscribers,however, may have different rights with respect to substantially similarMAP transactions. After the subscriber's identity is discerned, adetermination is made at 918 regarding whether the determined subscriberis authorized with respect to the requested transaction. If thesubscriber is not authorized, the transaction is denied at 910. If thesubscriber is authorized, then the transaction is allowed at 920 (themessage is relayed to an HLR which undertakes an appropriatetransaction). The methodology 900 then completes at 922.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a methodology 1000 for billing for certainmobility management messages or transactions is illustrated. Themethodology 1000 starts at 1002, and at 1004 an SS7 or Sigtran messageis received. For example, this message can be received at an STP. At1006, parameters associated with the message are analyzed. For instance,an originating point code, a message type (e.g., a MAP message), a typeof MAP message, and a subscriber associated with the MAP message can bedetermined by analyzing the SS7 or Sigtran message. At 1008, acommercial agreement between an initiator of the message (e.g., anenterprise) and an HPLMN that is to service the transaction is analyzed.For example, the enterprise may have a prepayment plan with respect to asubset of available MAP transactions, such that the enterprise caninitiate a certain number of MAP transactions of particular typeswithout additional payment. In another example, the enterprise may havean agreement with the HPLMN that each transaction requested by theenterprise may be associated with a particular fee, wherein theenterprise is cyclically billed.

At 1010, a determination is made regarding whether the enterprise has aprepaid plan agreement with respect to the HPLMN. If a prepayment planexists, then at 1012 a determination is made regarding whether a numberof prepaid transactions has been exceeded. If the number of prepaidtransactions has not been exceeded, then at 1014 the requestedtransaction (within the SS7 or Sigtran message) is allowed. If it isdetermined at 1012 that the number of prepaid transactions has beenexceeded, then at 1016 the enterprise is billed for the transactionaccording to a pre-defined agreement. If at 1010 it is determined thatthere is no prepaid plan, then at 1018 a determination is made regardingwhether the enterprise and the HPLMN have agreed upon a pay pertransaction plan. If there has been no agreement with respect to a payper transaction plan, then the transaction is denied at 1020. If thereis an agreement with respect to paying per transaction, then at 1016 thetransaction is billed (and allowed). The methodology 1000 completes at1022.

[End of My Review.]

Referring now to FIG. 11, there is illustrated a block diagram of acomputer operable to aid in performing the analysis of a mobilitymanagement message as described above. In order to provide additionalcontext for various aspects of the claimed subject matter, FIG. 11 andthe following discussion are intended to provide a brief, generaldescription of a suitable computing environment 1100 in which thevarious aspects described herein can be implemented. While thedescription above is in the general context of computer-executableinstructions that may run on one or more computers, those skilled in theart will recognize that the claimed subject matter also can beimplemented in combination with other program modules and/or as acombination of hardware and software.

Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the inventive methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, including single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

The illustrated aspects of the claimed subject matter may also bepracticed in distributed computing environments where certain tasks areperformed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network. In a distributed computing environment, programmodules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

A computer typically includes a variety of computer-readable media.Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessedby the computer and includes both volatile and non-volatile media,removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and notlimitation, computer-readable media can comprise computer storage mediaand communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatileand non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in anymethod or technology for storage of information such ascomputer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules orother data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM,ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digitalvideo disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices,or any other medium which can be used to store the desired informationand which can be accessed by the computer.

Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includesany information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example,and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as awired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such asacoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of the anyof the above should also be included within the scope ofcomputer-readable media.

With reference again to FIG. 11, the exemplary environment 1100 forimplementing various aspects includes a computer 1102, the computer 1102including a processing unit 1104, a system memory 1106 and a system bus1108. The system bus 1108 couples system components including, but notlimited to, the system memory 1106 to the processing unit 1104. Theprocessing unit 1104 can be any of various commercially availableprocessors. Dual microprocessors and other multi-processor architecturesmay also be employed as the processing unit 1104.

The system bus 1108 can be any of several types of bus structure thatmay further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 1106includes read-only memory (ROM) 1110 and random access memory (RAM)1112. A basic input/output system (BIOS) is stored in a non-volatilememory 1110 such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basicroutines that help to transfer information between elements within thecomputer 1102, such as during start-up. The RAM 1112 can also include ahigh-speed RAM such as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 1102 further includes an internal hard disk drive (HDD)1114 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal hard disk drive 1114 may also beconfigured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown), amagnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 1116, (e.g., to read from or write to aremovable diskette 1118) and an optical disk drive 1120, (e.g., readinga CD-ROM disk 1122 or, to read from or write to other high capacityoptical media such as the DVD). The hard disk drive 1114, magnetic diskdrive 1116 and optical disk drive 1120 can be connected to the systembus 1108 by a hard disk drive interface 1124, a magnetic disk driveinterface 1126 and an optical drive interface 1128, respectively. Theinterface 1124 for external drive implementations includes at least oneor both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1394 interfacetechnologies. Other external drive connection technologies are withincontemplation of the subject innovation.

The drives and their associated computer-readable media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 1102, the drives and mediaaccommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format.Although the description of computer-readable media above refers to aHDD, a removable magnetic diskette, and a removable optical media suchas a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat other types of media which are readable by a computer, such as zipdrives, magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, cartridges, and thelike, may also be used in the exemplary operating environment, andfurther, that any such media may contain computer-executableinstructions for performing the methods of the disclosed innovation.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 1112,including an operating system 1130, one or more application programs1132, other program modules 1134 and program data 1136. All or portionsof the operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 1112. It is to be appreciated that the innovation canbe implemented with various commercially available operating systems orcombinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 1102 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 1138 and apointing device, such as a mouse 1140. Other input devices (not shown)may include a microphone, an IR remote control, a joystick, a game pad,a stylus pen, touch screen, or the like. These and other input devicesare often connected to the processing unit 1104 through an input deviceinterface 1142 that is coupled to the system bus 1108, but can beconnected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE 1394serial port, a game port, a USB port, an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 1144 or other type of display device is also connected to thesystem bus 1108 via an interface, such as a video adapter 1146. Inaddition to the monitor 1144, a computer typically includes otherperipheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 1102 may operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 1148. The remotecomputer(s) 1148 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallyincludes many or all of the elements described relative to the computer1102, although, for purposes of brevity, only a memory/storage device1150 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted includewired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 1152 and/orlarger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 1154. Such LAN and WANnetworking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, andfacilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all ofwhich may connect to a global communications network, e.g., theInternet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1102 isconnected to the local network 1152 through a wired and/or wirelesscommunication network interface or adapter 1156. The adaptor 1156 mayfacilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN 1152, which mayalso include a wireless access point disposed thereon for communicatingwith the wireless adaptor 1156.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 1102 can includea modem 1158, or is connected to a communications server on the WAN1154, or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN1154, such as by way of the Internet. The modem 1158, which can beinternal or external and a wired or wireless device, is connected to thesystem bus 1108 via the serial port interface 1142. In a networkedenvironment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 1102, orportions thereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device1150. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown areexemplary and other means of establishing a communications link betweenthe computers can be used.

The computer 1102 is operable to communicate with any wireless devicesor entities operatively disposed in wireless communication, e.g., aprinter, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portable dataassistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment or locationassociated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk, news stand,restroom), and telephone. This includes at least WiFi and Bluetooth™wireless technologies. Thus, the communication can be a predefinedstructure as with a conventional network or simply an ad hoccommunication between at least two devices.

WiFi, or Wireless Fidelity, allows connection to the Internet from acouch at home, a bed in a hotel room, or a conference room at work,without wires. WiFi is a wireless technology similar to that used in acell phone that enables such devices, e.g., computers, to send andreceive data indoors and out; anywhere within the range of a basestation. WiFi networks use radio technologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b,g, etc.) to provide secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A WiFinetwork can be used to connect computers to each other, to the Internet,and to wired networks (which use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). WiFi networksoperate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, at an 11 Mbps(802.11a) or 54 Mbps (802.11b) data rate, for example, or with productsthat contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can providereal-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired Ethernetnetworks used in many offices.

Now turning to FIG. 12, such figure depicts a GSM/GPRS/IP multimedianetwork architecture 1200 that includes a GSM core network 1201, a GPRSnetwork 1230 and an IP multimedia network 1238. The GSM core network1201 includes a Mobile Station (MS) 1202, at least one Base TransceiverStation (BTS) 1204 and a Base Station Controller (BSC) 1206. The MS 1202is physical equipment or Mobile Equipment (ME), such as a mobile phoneor a laptop computer that is used by mobile subscribers, with aSubscriber identity Module (SIM). The SIM includes an InternationalMobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), which is a unique identifier of asubscriber. The MS 1202 includes an embedded client 1202 a that receivesand processes messages received by the MS 1202. The embedded client 1202a may be implemented in JAVA and is discuss more fully below.

The embedded client 1202 a communicates with an application 1202 b thatprovides services and/or information to an end user. One example of theapplication may be navigation software that provides near real-timetraffic information that is received via the embedded client 1202 a tothe end user. The navigation software may provide road conditions,suggest alternate routes, etc. based on the location of the MS 1202.Those of ordinary skill in the art understand that there are manydifferent methods and systems of locating an MS 1202.

Alternatively, the MS 1202 and a device 1202 c may be enabled tocommunicate via a short-range wireless communication link, such asBLUETOOTH. For example, a BLUETOOTH SIM Access Profile may be providedin an automobile (e.g., device 1202 c) that communicates with the SIM inthe MS 1202 to enable the automobile's communications system to pullinformation from the MS 1202. The BLUETOOTH communication system in thevehicle becomes an “embedded phone” that employs an antenna associatedwith the automobile. The result is improved reception of calls made inthe vehicle. As one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize, anautomobile is one example of the device 1202 c. There may be an endlessnumber of devices 1202 c that use the SIM within the MS 1202 to provideservices, information, data, audio, video, etc. to end users.

The BTS 1204 is physical equipment, such as a radio tower, that enablesa radio interface to communicate with the MS. Each BTS may serve morethan one MS. The BSC 1206 manages radio resources, including the BTS.The BSC may be connected to several BTSs. The BSC and BTS components, incombination, are generally referred to as a base station (BSS) or radioaccess network (RAN) 1203.

The GSM core network 1201 also includes a Mobile Switching Center (MSC)1208, a Gateway Mobile Switching Center (GMSC) 1210, a Home LocationRegister (HLR) 1212, Visitor Location Register (VLR) 1214, anAuthentication Center (AuC) 1218, and an Equipment Identity Register(EIR) 1216. The MSC 1208 performs a switching function for the network.The MSC also performs other functions, such as registration,authentication, location updating, handovers, and call routing. The GMSC1210 provides a gateway between the GSM network and other networks, suchas an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) or Public SwitchedTelephone Networks (PSTNs) 1220. In other words, the GMSC 1210 providesinterworking functionality with external networks.

The HLR 1212 is a database or component(s) that comprises administrativeinformation regarding each subscriber registered in a corresponding GSMnetwork. The HLR 1212 also includes the current location of each MS. TheVLR 1214 is a database or component(s) that contains selectedadministrative information from the HLR 1212. The VLR containsinformation necessary for call control and provision of subscribedservices for each MS currently located in a geographical area controlledby the VLR. The HLR 1212 and the VLR 1214, together with the MSC 1208,provide the call routing and roaming capabilities of GSM. The AuC 1216provides the parameters needed for authentication and encryptionfunctions. Such parameters allow verification of a subscriber'sidentity. The EIR 1218 stores security-sensitive information about themobile equipment.

A Short Message Service Center (SMSC) 1209 allows one-to-one ShortMessage Service (SMS) messages to be sent to/from the MS 1202. A PushProxy Gateway (PPG) 1211 is used to “push” (e.g., send without asynchronous request) content to the MS 1202. The PPG 1211 acts as aproxy between wired and wireless networks to facilitate pushing of datato the MS 1202. A Short Message Peer to Peer (SMPP) protocol router 1213is provided to convert SMS-based SMPP messages to cell broadcastmessages. SMPP is a protocol for exchanging SMS messages between SMSpeer entities such as short message service centers. It is often used toallow third parties, e.g., content suppliers such as news organizations,to submit bulk messages.

To gain access to GSM services, such as speech, data, and short messageservice (SMS), the MS first registers with the network to indicate itscurrent location by performing a location update and IMSI attachprocedure. The MS 1202 sends a location update including its currentlocation information to the MSC/VLR, via the BTS 1204 and the BSC 1206.The location information is then sent to the MS's HLR. The HLR isupdated with the location information received from the MSC/VLR. Thelocation update also is performed when the MS moves to a new locationarea. Typically, the location update is periodically performed to updatethe database as location updating events occur.

The GPRS network 1230 is logically implemented on the GSM core networkarchitecture by introducing two packet-switching network nodes, aserving GPRS support node (SGSN) 1232, a cell broadcast and a GatewayGPRS support node (GGSN) 1234. The SGSN 1232 is at the same hierarchicallevel as the MSC 1208 in the GSM network. The SGSN controls theconnection between the GPRS network and the MS 1202. The SGSN also keepstrack of individual MS's locations and security functions and accesscontrols.

A Cell Broadcast Center (CBC) 1233 communicates cell broadcast messagesthat are typically delivered to multiple users in a specified area. CellBroadcast is one-to-many geographically focused service. It enablesmessages to be communicated to multiple mobile phone customers who arelocated within a given part of its network coverage area at the time themessage is broadcast.

The GGSN 1234 provides a gateway between the GPRS network and a publicpacket network (PDN) or other IP networks 1236. That is, the GGSNprovides interworking functionality with external networks, and sets upa logical link to the MS through the SGSN. When packet-switched dataleaves the GPRS network, it is transferred to an external TCP-IP network1236, such as an X.25 network or the Internet. In order to access GPRSservices, the MS first attaches itself to the GPRS network by performingan attach procedure. The MS then activates a packet data protocol (PDP)context, thus activating a packet communication session between the MS.the SGSN, arc the GGSN.

In a GSM/GPRS network, GPRS services and GSM services can be used inparallel. The MS can operate in one three classes: class A, class B, andclass C. A class A MS can attach to the network for both GPRS servicesand GSM services simultaneously. A class A MS also supports simultaneousoperation of GPRS services and GSM services. For example, class Amobiles can receive GSM voice/data/SMS calls and GPRS data calls at thesame time. A class B MS can attach to the network for both GPRS servicesand GSM services simultaneously. However, a class B MS does not supportsimultaneous operation of the GPRS services and GSM services. That is, aclass B MS can only use one of the two services at a given time. A classC MS can attach for only one of the GPRS services and GSM services at atime. Simultaneous attachment and operation of GPRS services and GSMservices is not possible with a class C MS.

A GPRS network 1230 can be designed to operate in three networkoperation modes (NOM1, NOM2 and NOM3). A network operation mode of aGPRS network is indicated by a parameter in system information messagestransmitted within a cell. The system information messages dictates a MSwhere to listen for paging messages and how signal towards the network.The network operation mode represents the capabilities of the GPRSnetwork. In a NOM1 network, a MS can receive pages from a circuitswitched domain (voice call) when engaged in a data call. The MS cansuspend the data call or take both simultaneously, depending on theability of the MS. In a NOM2 network, a MS may not received pages from acircuit switched domain when engaged in a data call, since the MS isreceiving data and is not listening to a paging channel In a NOM3network, a MS can monitor pages for a circuit switched network whilereceived data and vise versa.

The IP multimedia network 1238 was introduced with 3GPP Release 5, andincludes an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) 1240 to provide richmultimedia services to end users. A representative set of the networkentities within the IMS 1240 are a call/session control function (CSCF),a media gateway control function (MGCF) 1246, a media gateway (MGW)1248, and a master subscriber database, called a home subscriber server(HSS) 1250. The HSS 1250 may be common to the GSM network 1201, the GPRSnetwork 1230 as well as the IP multimedia network 1238.

The IP multimedia system 1240 is built around the call/session controlfunction, of which there are three types: an interrogating CSCF (I-CSCF)1243, a proxy CSCF (P-CSCF) 1242, and a serving CSCF (S-CSCF) 1244. TheP-CSCF 1242 is the MS's first point of contact with the IMS 1240. TheP-CSCF 1242 forwards session initiation protocol (SIP) messages receivedfrom the MS to an SIP server in a home network (and vice versa) of theMS. The P-CSCF 1242 may also modify an outgoing request according to aset of rules defined by the network operator (for example, addressanalysis and potential modification).

The I-CSCF 1243 forms an entrance to a home network and hides the innertopology of the home network from other networks and providesflexibility for selecting an S-CSCF. The I-CSCF 1243 may contact asubscriber location function (SLF) 1245 to determine which HSS 1250 touse for the particular subscriber, if multiple HSS's 1250 are present.The S-CSCF 1244 performs the session control services for the MS 1202.This includes routing originating sessions to external networks androuting terminating sessions to visited networks. The S-CSCF 1244 alsodecides whether an application server (AS) 1252 is required to receiveinformation on an incoming SIP session request to ensure appropriateservice handling. This decision is based on information received fromthe HSS 1250 (or other sources, such as an application server 1252). TheAS 1252 also communicates to a location server 1256 (e.g., a GatewayMobile Location Center (GMLC)) that provides a position (e.g.,latitude/longitude coordinates) of the MS 1202.

The HSS 1250 contains a subscriber profile and keeps track of which corenetwork node is currently handling the subscriber. It also supportssubscriber authentication and authorization functions (AAA). In networkswith more than one HSS 1250, a subscriber location function providesinformation on the HSS 1250 that contains the profile of a givensubscriber.

The MGCF 1246 provides interworking functionality between SIP sessioncontrol signaling from the IMS 1240 and ISUP/BICC call control signalingfrom the external GSTN networks (not shown). It also controls the mediagateway (MGW) 1248 that provides user-plane interworking functionality(e.g., converting between AMR- and PCM-coded voice). The MGW 1248 alsocommunicates with other IP multimedia networks 1254.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subjectmatter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivablecombination of components or methodologies for purposes of describingthe claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art mayrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of such matterare possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended toembrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fallwithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to theextent that the term “includes” is used in either the detaileddescription or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in amanner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpretedwhen employed as a transitional word in a claim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: a receiver that receives amobile application part message from an enterprise network, the mobileapplication part message comprising an originating point code, a mobileapplication part type, and an international mobile subscriber identityvalue; a memory that stores computer-executable components, thecomputer-executable components comprising: an analysis component that:accesses a provisioning database according to the originating point codeand retrieves a dual mode services agreement between an enterpriseassociated with the originating point code and a home public land mobilenetwork, and analyzes the dual mode services agreement according to theinternational mobile subscriber identity value and the mobileapplication part type and verifies that a subscriber associated with theinternational mobile subscriber identity value is authorized to conducta transaction based on the mobile application part type; and a processorthat facilitates execution of at least one of the computer-executablecomponents.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile applicationpart message is part of a message formatted in accordance with aSignaling System 7 message format.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein themobile application part type is a location update.
 4. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising a signal transfer point that comprises theanalysis component.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the mobileapplication part type is a transaction that sends routing information.6. The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile application part type is asubscriber location report.
 7. The system of claim 1, further comprisinga home location register that comprises the analysis component.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a visitor location register thatcomprises the analysis component.
 9. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising a mobile switching center that comprises the analysiscomponent.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the analysis componentupdates the provisioning database according to a change with regard toaccess rights associated with the enterprise.
 11. The system of claim 1,further comprising a billing component that logs charges incurred by theenterprises and subscribers.
 12. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising a billing component that automatically charges the enterprisefor charges incurred by the enterprise.
 13. The system of claim 12,wherein the billing component charges fees based on the type of mobilitymanagement transaction associated with the request.
 14. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising a notification component that provides theenterprise with a notification that the mobility management transactionis rejected.
 15. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a countercomponent that counts a number of undertaken mobility managementtransactions; and a notification component that notifies the enterprisenetwork in response to a count determined by the counter componentreaching a threshold.
 16. The system of claim 1, further comprising arelaying component that relays the request to a home location register.17. The system of claim 16, further comprising a signal transfer pointthat comprises the relaying component.
 18. A method, comprising:employing a processor to execute computer readable instructions storedin a computer readable storage medium, the instructions comprising:receiving a mobile application part message, comprising an originatingpoint code, a mobile application part type, and an international mobilesubscriber identity value; accessing a provisioning database accordingto the originating point code and retrieving a dual mode servicesagreement between an enterprise associated with the originating pointcode and a home public land mobile network; and analyzing the dual modeservices agreement according to the international mobile subscriberidentity value and the mobile application part type and verifying that asubscriber associated with the international mobile subscriber identityvalue is authorized to conduct a transaction based on the mobileapplication part type.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the mobileapplication part message is in a signaling system 7 format.
 20. Themethod of claim 18, wherein the mobile application part type is alocation update message.
 21. A signal transfer point apparatus,comprising: a receiver that receives a mobile application part message,comprising an originating point code, a mobile application part type,and an international mobile subscriber identity value; and a memory thatstores computer-executable components, the computer-executablecomponents comprising: an analysis component that: accesses aprovisioning database according to the originating point code andretrieves a dual mode services agreement between an enterpriseassociated with the originating point code and a home public land mobilenetwork, and analyzes the dual mode services agreement according to theinternational mobile subscriber identity value and the mobileapplication part type and checks that the subscriber associated with theinternational mobile subscriber value is authorized to conduct atransaction based on the mobile application part type.
 22. The signaltransfer point apparatus of claim 21, wherein the mobile applicationpart transaction is a transaction that sends routing information. 23.The signal transfer point apparatus of claim 21, wherein the mobileapplication part message is in a signaling system 7 message format. 24.The signal transfer point apparatus of claim 21, wherein the mobileapplication part transaction type is a subscriber location report. 25.The signal transfer point apparatus of claim 21, wherein the mobileapplication part transaction type is a location update.